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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

First Oman-India feature film Zayana premieres

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MUSCAT, Feb 6 - Zayana, the first Oman-Indian feature film, premiered at Vox Cinemas in Muscat Grand Mall on Tuesday.


It premiered under the auspices of Ali al Jabri, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Information in the presence of government officials as part of the ongoing Muscat Festival.


A large number of film lovers from both Oman and India, including artistes and technicians, were present.


Scripted by Dr Khalid bin Abdul Rahim al Zadjali, Zayana is the story of a young Omani student who travels to Kerala for higher studies and starts working in a call centre. She, however, goes missing. Adel, her husband, goes in search of her only to face a series of obstacles.


“It’s a historic event to see the first film featuring Omani and Indian artistes and technicians being screened here,” said Dr Khalid.


Co-produced by Al Masa Company and Heera Films, it is scripted by Dr Khalid along with Fatima al Salmiya and Faisal al Zadjali.


A number of Omani and Indian actors play different characters, which include Talib al Balushi, Noora al Farsi, Ali al Amiri, M R Gopakumar and Riju Ram.


The characters speak both Arabic and Malayalam in the film. According to Dr Khalid, this is the first time that a major portion of an Omani movie has been shot outside the country.


“This is a new awakening for the cinema industry,” said Riju Ram, who plays an important role in the 90-minute movie.


The story of Zayana was conceptualised by Kiran Madhav, who grew up in the Sultanate. The film took about a year to make.


“Although a lot of films and TV shows have been made in Oman, there have not been many Omani film productions until the birth of Zayana,” said Kiran.


Zayana, also the name of the titular female lead, is being played by Omani actress Noura al Farsi. Ali al Amri plays her husband Adel.


Riju Ram plays Fadlullah, while supporting characters Kaani and Marhoun are played by Gopakumar and Talib al Balushi.


Zayana is currently being screened at Vox Cinemas.


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